Blood Moon Reckoning

Estella stood before the grand mirror, her reflection bathed in the soft, golden light filtering through the lace curtains of her bridal suite. Her dress was a masterpiece, woven from the finest silks, and embroidered with shimmering threads that seemed to catch the very light of the room. The gown flowed gracefully around her, its intricate lacework trailing behind her like the elegant tail of a swan. Her long dark hair, meticulously styled and adorned with delicate silver pins, framed her face, highlighting her smooth skin and the deep green of her eyes. Today, she looked every bit the part of the radiant bride, the jewel of the Erylis family. This day, her wedding day, had been carefully planned for months, if not years. As the only daughter of one of the most influential families in the Vesper Pack, Estella was no stranger to the weight of expectations. The Erylis family was known far and wide for its wealth, prestige, and unparalleled expertise in medicinal craft- a legacy that spanned generations. It was an honor to bear the family name, but it was also a burden. Every move she made, every word she spoke, was scrutinized by those around her. Her family had groomed her to perfection, teaching her grace, poise, and how to be the ideal mate for someone as prominent as Carlos Vesper, the alpha’s son. Today, her duty and her destiny were to unite their powerful families and solidify her place within the highest echelon of pack society. But today was more than just about duty. Estella had a secret, one that she had kept to herself for weeks, waiting for the perfect moment to share it. Beneath the layers of her wedding gown, she carried the fluttering promise of new life. She was pregnant. The thought made her heart swell with joy, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach as she stood in front of the mirror. This child, her child with Carlos, was the beginning of their future together. It was her gift to him, a surprise she planned to reveal after the ceremony. As she stared at her reflection, Estella allowed herself a moment of pure, unfiltered happiness. For years, she had imagined this day - the day she would marry Carlos, the day she would become a Vesper in name and status, bound to the most powerful family in the pack. More than that, she dreamed of the family they would build together, the children they would raise. In her mind’s eye, she saw herself cradling their child in her arms, Carlos beside her, his strong arms wrapped around both of them as they stood at the head of the pack, leaders in strength and unity. It was all so close now, within her grasp. The door to the suite creaked open, breaking her reverie. Her best friend, Margaret, stepped into the room, her face flushed with excitement. Margaret had been by Estella’s side since childhood, the two of them inseparable throughout their youth. Margaret, with her blonde curls and infectious laughter, was the sister Estella had never had. Today, she is Estella’s maid of honor, a role she takes on with pride. “You look absolutely stunning,” Margaret said, her voice filled with admiration. She crossed the room in a few quick steps and took Estella’s hands in hers, giving them a gentle squeeze. “I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.” “Thank you,” Estella replied, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “I can’t believe it’s all happening.” Margaret’s smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly recovered. “It’s going to be perfect. Everything is in place. Carlos is waiting for you at the altar.” At the mention of Carlos’s name, a warm flutter filled Estella’s chest. She had loved him for as long as she could remember. Carlos Vesper, with his dark, brooding eyes and commanding presence, had always been the object of her affection. Their union had been arranged, yes, but over time, real love had grown between them- or so she believed. They had shared stolen moments, whispered promises, and dreams of a future that would begin today. Estella had no reason to doubt that Carlos loved her just as deeply. “He’s going to be surprised,” Estella said, her voice dropping to a conspirational whisper. “After the ceremony, I’m going to tell him. About the baby. Just like what we'd planned” Margaret’s eyes widened for a split second, but then she forced a smile. “That’s wonderful, Estella. He’ll be thrilled, I’m sure of that.” Something in her tone gave Estella pause. Was that hesitation? Uncertainty? But before Estella could ask it, Margaret stepped back and gestured toward the door. “It’s time.” Taking a deep breath, Estella smoothed her dress one last time and nodded. “I’m ready.” The ceremony took place in the grand courtyard of the Vesper estate, a sprawling garden surrounded by ancient oak trees and lush greenery. The guests-members of the most prestigious werewolf clans, pack elders, and allies from distant territories- filled the space with murmurs of anticipation. All eyes turned toward Estella as she made her entrance, her steps graceful, each one measured and careful. She felt the weight of their gazes, but for once, it didn’t bother her. Today was her day. As she walked down the aisle, her heart raced with excitement. Carlos stood at the end of the path, looking as regal as ever in his ceremonial attire. His dark hair, slicked back, accentuated the sharp lines of his face, and his amber eyes gleamed with something Estella couldn’t quite place. Was it pride? Nervousness? She dismissed the thought, attributing it to pre-wedding jitters. When she reached him, Carlos took her hands in his, and for a moment, Estella felt as though the entire world had fallen away. It was just the two of them, standing on the precipice of their future together. The officiant began the ceremony, speaking the traditional vows of the pack, words that had been spoken at countless weddings before theirs. Estella’s heart swelled with happiness as she repeated her vows, her voice strong and steady. She would be his, and he would be hers. They would lead together, raise their child together, and be bound forever. But as the officiant turned to Carlos to recite his vows, something shifted. The warmth in Carlos’s eyes faded, replaced by a cold, distant look that sent a chill down Estella’s spine. “I can’t do this,” Carlos said, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. The guests gasped, murmurs of confusion spread through the crowd. Estella’s heart lurched in her chest, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach. “Carlos, what-“ she began, but he cut her off. “I can’t marry a cheater.” His words were sharp, filled with venom. Estella blinked, her mind racing to comprehend what he was saying. “What are you talking about?” Carlos let go of her hands and stepped back, his expression hardening. “You’ve been unfaithful, Estella. You’ve betrayed me and this pack.” The world tilted beneath her feet. “No, I haven’t! Carlos, that’s not true!” Margaret stepped forward, her face pale, and held up a small device- a phone. “There’s something you need to see.” Estella’s blood ran cold as Margaret pressed play on a video, the screen showing a grainy image of a woman who looked eerily like Estella, meeting with a man late at night, exchanging intimate gestures. The crowd erupted in gasps and whispers. “No,” Estella whispered, shaking her head. “That’s not me. This is a lie!” Carlos glared at her, his fists clenched. “You think I’d be so easily fooled? I trust you, Estella. And this is how you repay me?” Tears welled in her eyes, her vision blurring as the humiliation and betrayal crashed down on her. She turned, searching for her family in the crowd, but they remained silent, their faces unreadable. Her world, the life she had carefully built, crumbled around her in an instant. The ceremony was over. The love she thought she had was gone. And as she stood there, alone at the altar, Estella realized that everything had changed.